Wayne School Board Tackles Referendum and Budget Challenges

Overview: In an impactful gathering of the Wayne School Board, members delved into the issues surrounding the upcoming $47 million referendum aimed at building a new school and the challenges it presents to the district’s budget. The referendum, scheduled for a community vote on March 12th, is positioned as a step to address the needs of the growing student population and the maintenance of educational facilities. The meeting also highlighted the district’s achievements, such as the decreased number of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) cases and the implementation of the Canvas learning management system, underscoring the board’s focus on student safety, mental health, and academic advancement.

Little Falls Board Denies Zen Real Estate Building Application

Overview: In the most recent Little Falls Planning Board meeting, the Board denied the application from Zen Real Estate LLC for various variances required for their property development. This decision was reached due to a lack of affirmative votes. Zen Real Estate’s application had been a continuation from a previous hearing, and revised plans were presented which included a 20-foot setback and a 30-foot height, intended to address concerns about visual impact from neighboring properties. However, discussions at the meeting revealed persistent concerns about the visual impact of the rooftop and the safety of potential installations. Despite suggestions to condition any screening to the review and approval of the planner, the board could not resolve the variances being sought, leading to the denial of the application.

Paterson City Council Approves Settlements

Overview: In the latest Paterson City Council meeting, discussions centered around a series of legal settlements and the allocation of funds for new garbage collection services. The council approved contentious settlements in several workers’ compensation and litigation cases, sparking debate over perceived injustices and the need for increased transparency in government decisions. The meeting also saw the passage of resolutions for the procurement of solar-powered trash compactors and cleaning services for commercial corridors, as well as preparations for the annual Ceasefire walk to combat gun violence.

Bloomingdale Approves Utility Vehicle Purchase

Overview: The Bloomingdale Borough Council recently approved a purchase of a new utility vehicle with a total cost of $880,000, intending to replace a decade-old truck currently in poor condition. The funding for this acquisition will be drawn from the water budget and does not require bonding. This purchase was among various topics discussed at the meeting, which also included acknowledgments of the community’s loss of Leslie Grant, updates on public events and community initiatives, and the resignation of a Department of Public Works (DPW) laborer.

Haledon School Gains Arts Grants and Honors Community Contributors

Overview: Haledon Public School has received a significant boost in its arts education program with two grants awarded by Arts for Learning New Jersey and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The grants will fund long-term residencies with teaching artists for second-grade students. This development was the focus of a recent school board meeting that also acknowledged community contributions and discussed financial matters, construction updates, and staffing initiatives.